Friday, April 30, 2010

Five Friday Favorites -- Things That Make Me Happy

This soup tureen belonged to my mother and will always have a special place in my home. It is ironstone and quite heavy.

Do you remember the hard Samsonite luggage from the 1960's? My sweet Aunt Ann gave me a beige set when I graduated from high school. This set belonged to my husband's Aunt Betty(whom he called his "second mom"). I love the red color.

This decorated mailbox was a gift from a co-worker when I moved from one branch of our library system to another. She and I both love Mary Engelbreit and it has a place of honor in my home office. It touched my heart that she would spend the time to decorate it just for me and pack it with ME envelopes and notecards.

I bought this pillow in Kansas City at Halls Crown Center. I fell in love with it when I saw it and it still gives me pleasure and was worth every penny I paid for it.

If my house were to catch fire, this is one of the first things I would carry out. It is my grandmother's life story and diary, which she started in 1949. It covers her life from her birth in 1891 and tells about her parents, grandparents, and siblings; her childhood; her courtship by my grandfather and the births of 13 children and deaths of three. She writes of her children serving during World War II and her grandchildren during the Vietnam War. She notes the birth of each grandchild and the deaths of many of her friends and family members. There are many stories here, that reflect life in another time for those of us who have only a brief recollection or no memory at all.

Thanks, Teri Lynne. I love it that she included the words to favorite songs and poems, like "Precious Memories" and "Barbara Allen." There is one poem about Halloween (her birthday) being on Sunday. I think she may have written that one herself, although she doesn't say. The title is "My Birthday". Lots of love, Judy

You're so right and I understand more each day how much of a treasure it is! One of the things I've noticed about becoming a part of this blogging community is that everyone appreciates the importance of the beauty and significance of the precious items we have that belonged to those we loved. Thanks for dropping by! Annie

Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog today. I'm glad I came over to visit and see the treasures you have at your house. How wonderful to have your grandmothers memories there to read. My own told many stories of her life but never wrote any down that I know of. Have a wonderful Sunday!

I can see why these things are among your favorites...that life story and diary of your grandmother is priceless. This is one reason I started a blog...it is something that my grands will have...I need to include more family stories, I guess.xo bj

That red luggage brought me down memory lane. When I graduated from High School my parents gave me a set up blue American Tourister (3 pieces) which by the say did not have a lock but a combination. I still remember it - 442 (the first 3 letters of my phone number). I knew I wanted to to travel and travel I did. I dumped it about 15 years ago but what memories. Thanks for sharing.

About Me

Hello! I’m Annie Joy and I have always loved receiving cards and letters. A blog is another way to communicate, and I consider mine a way of touching base with those I care about and those who enjoy and value the same the same things I do -- good friends, good books, and close family; the beauty of nature and that produced by talented artists and writers; and the blessings that surround us. Thank you for visiting my blog!